Letters to the editor: Time to stop Republicans' attack on schools

As a retired educator with 35 years teaching experience, I see the time has come to save your children's education from an attack by the Alabama Republican House and Senate. This new-style Republican is not your parents' (or your) Republican representative and senator.

The aim is the control of public education (and public education funds) and the shifting of those funds to their specialized ends. These reformers have an agenda much like Michelle Rhee's failed takeover of the D.C. school system.

One has to wonder if there isn't also a dislike of public education generally. It is difficult to imagine any of them ever being one to thank a teacher.

Their Alabama Accountability Act, after labeling the bottom 6 percent failing schools, then spent $40 million from the Education Trust Fund ($25 million for scholarships and $15 million for tax credits and rebates for relocation costs). Of the 30,005 students in failing schools, 719 transferred within their system, 18 went to another system, and 52 could go to private schools. ($40 million for these 52?)

These failing Republicans also believe that teachers health insurance should be raised $504 a year, with no pay raise. (Retirees, as usual, get nothing).

Parents, it is time to remove this Republican impediment to educational progress. We always knew that these Republicans will give rich corporations nearly whatever they want; now we know what they will do for private schools and to public schools. Vote these Republicans out.

R.E. Blanton

Jacksonville

Montgomery should name street for King

"Has anybody here seen my old friend Martin? Can you tell me where he's gone?"

My first encounter with Martin Luther King Jr. was at the initial mass meeting that led to the formation of the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955. Following the meeting, I heard MLK speak many times and followed his career as he sought freedom, peace, love and justice for all mankind. I vividly remember the first time he shook my hand and called me by my name.

Recently, while in Atlanta, I utilized my first opportunity to visit the grave site of Martin L. King and his wife, Coretta S. King. As I hobbled on my cane toward the crypt, I could hear King's strong, melodious voice over the PA system. The voice that once moved thousands to give their time, money, energy and service to fight injustice.

While looking at the marble crypt, surrounded by water, I noticed that he was born just a few years before I was.

As I reflected on his life through my tears, I realized how fortunate I had been during my lifetime to be exposed to and associate with such a kind and gentle man. You became a better person just by being in his presence.

Montgomery should name Jackson Street Martin L. King Drive/Blvd./Ave./in his honor.

Elbert Hill

Montgomery

Pope, Obama share a pipe dream

The pope and President Obama share the pipe dream of eliminating "income inequality." How noble of them.

It's doubtful that either one of them would set an example by taking a pay cut down to that of Sam the shoeshiner. Should Bill Gates earn minimum wage?

Speaking of minimum wage, one approach to income equality, raising the minimum wage, will result in cost increases of most consumable items. But wait. To keep up with the price hikes, the government could increase welfare payments and food stamps.

Then they could tax the wealthy even more to further fund those additional assistance programs, thereby killing two birds with one stone.

The result is negative growth, more industry shutdowns and job loss. Read between the lines: Increased dependency on the government is just what the ruling class elitists want because that equals control. Remember, it's about income equality, not power equality.

All one has to do is look at North Korea and other totalitarian regimes to see the end product of "income equality" in its truest form.

Keith R. Smith

Wetumpka

Church ministers, personnel need to follow Jesus' example

It's time to throw the money changers out of the temple and bring God back in. Too many preachers and support personnel in our churches feel entitled to the churches' money.

What happened to preaching God's word because God called you to do so? Jesus and the disciples were not paid with money. They accepted whatever their followers could afford to give them.

A church's responsibilities for its money is to pay for the church building if it has a debt, then to maintain the building and pay the utilities. Then comes money for a preacher, music director, etc. If these people are called by God to carry out his work, they should not require a hefty fee to do so.

It's time for many of them to do some soul-searching and ask themselves, "Am I in this to preach the word of God or to make all the money I can off God?"

You more than anyone else will be held accountable by God. Don't think cloaking yourself in religion will shield you from God`s wrath over being a big part of killing the church and Christianity.

God help us and send us real Christian leaders whose only concern is doing your work and who will be happy to accept whatever pensioners, widows and the poor can offer.

Billy Price

Ashville

ADVERTISEMENT

Most Popular

Most Commented

More Headlines

Most Viewed

Photo Galleries

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Email this article

Letters to the editor: Time to stop Republicans' attack on schools

As a retired educator with 35 years teaching experience, I see the time has come to save your children's education from an attack by the Alabama Republican House and Senate.

A link to this page will be included in your message.

Real Deals

Flip, shop and save on specials from your favorite retailers in Montgomery, Alabama